Old Testament – Confident.Faith

Today we commemorate Elisha. Son of Shaphat from the tribe of Issachar, Elisha was the prophet of God to the Northern Kingdom of Israel for decades. A vocal opponent of Baal worship, Elisha, unlike his predecessor and mentor, Elijah, played an active role in political affairs. In the course of his ministry, Elisha performed many miracles, confirming his status as a prophet sent by God.

1 Chronicles 19–23

Ammon Insults David and Israel; Israel Defeats Syria; David Prepares Materials for the Temple; David Charges Solomon to Build the Temple; David Makes Solomon King

Today we commemorate the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Convoked in AD 325 by Roman Emperor Constantine, the Council of Nicaea ruled against the Arians, who taught that Jesus was not the eternal Son of God, but was a created being. The chief opponents of the Arians were Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, and Athanasius, deacon to Alexander. It was at this council that an early version of the Nicene Creed was adopted — the full version being adopted in its entirety at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381.

1 Chronicles 14–18

God Delivers Israel’s Enemies into David’s Hand; David Brings up the Ark; God Expands David’s Influence

Today we celebrate the Festival of St. Barnabas, Apostle. A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas sold some land that he owned and donated the proceeds to the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Sent to oversee the Church in Antioch, Barnabas retrieved Paul from Tarsus and accompanied him back to Antioch, and from there to Paul’s first missionary journey. Tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus, by being stoned.

2 Kings 24 — 1 Chronicles 13

Nebuchadnezzar Conquers Judah and Exiles Them; Zedekias Rebels against Babylon; Bablyon Burns Jerusalem and the Temple; Saul and David; David and the Ark